The Great Pyrenees is a capable, devoted imposing guardian
that is somewhat wary of strangers, both canine and human.
Often they are used to guard livestock. They are calm,
somewhat serious and well mannered when not provoked.

The Great Pyrenees is descended from the Kuvasz from Hungary
and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. The dog is considered to be an
aristocratic relative of the Newfoundland and the
Saint
Bernard. In its native country of France the Pyrenees has a
long history as a guard dog for chateaux and sheep. Remains
similar to that of a Great Pyrenees have been found dating
back to eighteen hundred B.C. in Europe, though it is
suspected that in fact the Pyrenees is from much earlier
breed originating in Asia or Siberia.

The Great Pyrenees is also called the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.
The dog looks a lot like a brown bear except for its light
coloring. When it reaches its full adult growth the dog is
very large and solidly muscular. The body proportions of the
dog are that it is slightly longer than it is tall giving it
a rectangular appearance with a level top line.

The chest is somewhat broad. The dog has single dewclaws on
the front legs and double dew claws on the back legs. The
tail is feathered, long and plumed that curves slightly at
the tip and is as long as the hocks at least.

The head is in the shape of a wedge with a skull that is
slightly rounded with no apparent stop. The ears are medium-
sized, pendant and triangular. The eyes are almond shaped,
dark brown with a dignified, intelligent and thoughtful
expression. The nose is black. The muzzle is wide and
slightly pointed and the lips shouldn't be pendent. The
teeth should come together in a scissors bite but a level
bite is allowed.

The Great Pyrenees has a coarse, long, outer coat that can
be slightly wavy or straight. The fine undercoat is soft and
thick. The dog's coat is weather resistant, which allows for
this dog to be outside year round in even very harsh
climates. The coat can come in colors of pale yellow, solid
white, or white with patches of tan or wolf gray.

These dogs are affectionate courageous, gentle, loyal and
obedient. Self-sacrificing and devoted to their families,
they are gentle with children and humans in general. They do
better with children that they have been raised with.